Your safety and wellbeing are important to us, and we take questions about safety seriously. As with any large, on-site gathering or work-related travel, AIR is taking appropriate steps to plan for safety, security, and emergency response for AIR Connect. We are working with our Safety & Security Advisor to develop a comprehensive plan, consistent with the approach we use for similar in-person events.

Some staff have raised questions related to travel safety. To support informed decision-making, our Safety & Security Advisor has provided the general guidance shared on this page, which reflects standard considerations for business travel and convenings.

We recognize that individual circumstances vary. If you have specific questions related to your situation, you are welcome to reach out to Veronika Polgar, Safety & Security Advisor, at [email protected] for individualized guidance.

As a reminder, attendance at AIR Connect is not mandatory. We encourage everyone to make the decision that feels right for them based on their personal circumstances and comfort level.

Local Security Context

Washington, DC is a major urban center with a visible law enforcement presence, particularly in central business and government districts. The venue for AIR Connect, the Marriott Marquis, is in the Mount Vernon Triangle/downtown corridor—a commercial area with hotels, restaurants, and office buildings. The area is typically busy during the day and early evening.

As with most large US cities, the primary crime-related risks to visitors are opportunistic in nature:

• Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching, theft of unattended items) most common in high-traffic areas such as Metro stations, tourist sites, parks, and restaurants.
• Vehicle-related crime, including break-ins and theft of vehicles or car parts, occurs citywide; avoid leaving valuables in vehicles and use secure parking facilities where possible.
• Violent crime is generally concentrated in specific residential areas rather than central business or conference districts.

Standard urban situational awareness is advised. After dark, remain in well-lit and populated areas, avoid distractions from mobile devices while walking, avoid moving around alone where possible, and use reputable transportation options.

Washington, DC faces terror threats due to its political importance and concentration of important landmarks and headquarters of government agencies.

• Periods of heightened geopolitical tension, including ongoing US involvement in global conflicts, can lead to increased threat rhetoric and a more visible security posture across the capital.
• Major sites are heavily secured, and credible threats are typically disrupted or mitigated before materializing.
• If you see something that appears suspicious or out of place, please report it promptly to venue security or an event staff member – early reporting helps keep everyone safe.

Protests and Demonstrations
Protests and demonstrations are common in DC. Most are peaceful but can cause localized road closures or increased police presence. The Mall and Capitol Hill District are flashpoint locations for demonstrations and civil unrest as they include government institutions such as Congress, the Supreme Court, and the White House. Foreign embassies are also likely protest locations for international issues. Political protests for domestic causes tend to be in front of the United States Capitol or the White House, and are usually cordoned off from pedestrian access, posing a low risk of operation disruption. Heightened security presence for protests of any motivation in Washington DC is common.

If you encounter a protest:

• Avoid engaging and leave the immediate area.
• Expect possible traffic disruptions near the area impacted, as well as the presence of law enforcement.
• ICE-related protests may carry heightened sensitivities for some individuals, including increased likelihood of questioning or enforcement attention. You are encouraged to consider your own circumstances carefully and make decisions that prioritize personal safety, particularly where risk may be higher.

Venue and On-Site Security

• The event will be held in dedicated conference space, and AIR is the only group renting out the hotel during the event.
• The Marriott Marquis Safety and Security team is a 24 hour, 7 days a week All officers are CPR & First Aid Certified. If an emergency does take place, staff are well trained and will alert local authorities if needed.
• To help us maintain a secure and well-managed environment, and ensure that only registered participants are accessing event spaces, we kindly ask that all attendees wear their badge credentials visibly at all times within the venue. This supports smooth access control while helping us create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
• Emergency exits and procedures will be displayed at the venue.
• Report any concerning behavior or suspicious activity immediately.
• Additional on-site safety guidance will be provided closer to the event.

Travel and Personal Safety

Before Travel:

• Share your itinerary and accommodation details with a trusted contact.
• Save key contact numbers (hotel, event lead, emergency contacts) in your phone and on paper.
• Monitor weather forecasts and any major events scheduled in Washington during your stay.
• Keep identification, valuables, and medications in your carry-on.

While in Washington, DC:

• Use reputable ride-share services, licensed taxis, or hotel transport. Confirm driver and vehicle details before entering a ride-share.
• Avoid posting real-time location information publicly.
• When moving around the city, limit the valuables you carry and keep essential items discreetly stored and secure. If approached aggressively for money or assistance, disengage calmly and move toward a populated area.
• Consider moving in small groups after dark, especially if you are unfamiliar with the location.
• Trust your instincts – if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it, if it is safe to do so.

At the Hotel:

• Keep your room door locked at all times and use secondary locks where available. Do not open to unexpected and unknown visitors.
• Avoid sharing your room number publicly.
• Store valuables securely.
• Familiarize yourself with fire safety rules and emergency exits of the facility.

Information and Cyber Security

• Ensure devices are updated, password protected, and VPN-enabled when connected to public networks.
• Do not leave laptops or devices unattended in either meeting spaces or public spaces—take them with you to prevent unintended access.
• Avoid discussing sensitive matters in public areas such as lobbies or restaurants.
• Only share information about the event on a need-to-know basis.
• Cybercrime, including credit card fraud, phishing, and identity theft, remains a concern; monitor financial accounts and avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.

Immigration and Enforcement Considerations

We recognize that staff may have concerns regarding immigration enforcement activity. ICE operations in Washington, DC are generally targeted; however, enforcement actions can occur in public settings.

If you believe you may be affected by immigration enforcement activity, please ensure you carry valid government-issued identification and any relevant immigration documentation with you at all times.

 If you encounter law enforcement activity:

• Remain calm and follow lawful instructions.
• Avoid recording or engaging unless you are certain doing so is lawful and safe; prioritize your personal safety.
• If ICE questions you on the street, ask if you are free to leave. If they say you are free to leave, calmly and silently walk away.
• Contact event leadership if you feel concerned or impacted during the event. You can reach an event organizer using the Emergency Contact Information below.
• If you have additional questions before the event, you are welcome to reach out to Veronika Polgar, Safety & Security Advisor, at [email protected] for individualized guidance.

Emergency Procedures

In an emergency, call 911 and notify hotel security immediately. If there is a change in the safety or security situation or an incident occurs, instructions will be shared via email, text alert, and/or the event app.

On-site Emergency Point of Contact, Jennifer Burgess: 240-691-8314

Event Planning Lead, Mahogany Hopkins: 301-586-7526

Hotel Safety & Security Office: (202) 824-9667